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[cozen]

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[sulahnan]

But what if it did? Like an aravel with bird legs instead of wheels...

[ A long enough pause that she's clearly thinking about it more than it warrants. ]

I dunno, maybe there's just not enough...sky in here.

[cozen]

Not enough sky in your room?

[ Hmm. ]

You slept well in the jungle.

[sulahnan]

You're right. There wasn't enough sky there, either.

[ A kitten has joined the discussion, trampling on her and getting annoyingly close to the crystal. Loud purring and a mrep. ]

Maybe it's the trees. Percy, is it the trees? [ Myaaawn. ] I think that was a yes.

[cozen]

[ Aw, kitty. ]

Maybe we could experiment, when you have not already taken something. While it’s warm. Sleep in the garden. I could come with you—not forever, I am too old to sleep on the ground much if I don’t have to.

[sulahnan]

[ Aw! Bastien! ]

That's a great idea! I'll make you a feather mattress for your not-old bones.

[cozen]

My hero.

[ They can also just carry an existing mattress out, but he’s not gonna harsh her groove right now. ]

Don’t cut your hair. Not now. If you still want it to cut it in the morning, we can talk.

[sulahnan]

[ Her put-upon sigh is all play-acting. ]

Ugh, fine. I don't have shears anyway.

[ Squints. ]

Don't cut your hair, either.

crystal

[heorte]

I'm afraid I need to ask a favor.

[cozen]

Ah, Monsieur Warden, do not be afraid. I have not bitten anyone for asking me to do something since I was very small.

[cozen]

Maybe I will grow it out as long as yours.

[heorte]

[ momentary pause while ellis has second thoughts about this whole venture, but. ]

Are you a good dancer, Bastien?

[ let's just verify a few things before this goes any further ]

[sulahnan]

[ An awed whisper as she imagines it: wooow. ]

You'd be too powerful. The world isn't ready.

[cozen]

[ No second thoughts, only first thoughts, they’re always the best ones. ]

Usually, yes. There are better, of course—if you need a superb dancer, I can make recommendations.

[heorte]

I need a teacher.

[ bracing for the response ]

[cozen]

Oh, then I am exactly who you need. If someone is too wonderful a dancer, they cannot understand why it might be difficult for anyone else—but I had to work at it. So.

[ Trapped now. ]

Is there a particular dance you need to learn?

[cozen]

Next year, then. When they are ready. But you will have to teach me to braid.

[heorte]

Good.

[ the tone there is a little ambiguous. this is what he wanted but now that he has it, he's not sure about it. ]

I have a book. A pamphlet. [ there's some rustling, then a sigh. ] They're Orlesian dances. I assume it's what's in style at court.

[sulahnan]

Hm. Hm.

[ A noise that accompanies exactly two nods of agreement. ]

But I can only do threes and sixes. You'll have to ask someone else for the complicatored ones.

[cozen]

I don’t know. I am not sure I could trust anyone but you with my beautiful long hair.

[cozen]

Better and better. It will be fun.

And, [ generously, ] we can practice somewhere no one else will see.

[sulahnan]

Not even someone with my enders-ment?

[heorte]

Thank you.

[ truly, a relief. ]

If there is something I can do for you in return, I'd be happy to make myself of use.

[cozen]

Even then. It is more than knowing how to braid, you know? It is about trusting someone to hold your head in their hands.

[sulahnan]

Oh— [ A soft moue and she claps her hand over her heart. Bas. ]

Maybe I can learn to do them by then. You dessert the compelling braids.

[cozen]

I like to dance, so you are already doing me a favor, giving me a good reason. But thank you.